David Talbot’s The Devil’s Chessboard is an eye-opening and often chilling dive into the life of one of the most powerful and controversial figures in American history: Allen Dulles. If you’ve ever had the sneaking suspicion that the American government’s hands were dirtier than they’d ever admit, then this book will make you think twice. The Devil’s Chessboard unpacks a story of espionage, secrecy, and a man whose actions shaped the world in ways few others could.
A Story of Power and Control
Allen Dulles was no ordinary bureaucrat. As the longest-serving Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from 1953 to 1961, Dulles held immense power, pulling the strings of international relations and covert operations. Yet, Talbot argues that Dulles’ legacy is one of shadowy manipulation rather than heroic duty. In The Devil’s Chessboard, Dulles comes across as a Machiavellian figure, more interested in maintaining control and power than serving the public or the government. From the covert overthrow of foreign governments to orchestrating political assassinations, his actions blurred the line between right and wrong.
The book doesn’t just focus on Dulles as a person—it also explores the historical context of his influence. It uncovers a post-World War II world where the CIA, under Dulles’ leadership, engaged in covert operations that were not only unconstitutional but also detrimental to international relations. One of the most shocking parts of the book is how it ties Dulles’ actions to major historical events, from the Cold War to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Dulles’ World: A Chessboard of Deception
Talbot paints a vivid picture of Dulles’ life, exploring his early years, his rise to power, and the cold, calculating nature that propelled him into the CIA’s highest echelons. As the book’s title suggests, The Devil’s Chessboard is an apt metaphor for Dulles’ worldview—he saw the globe as a chessboard where moves were made not with diplomacy, but through manipulation, subterfuge, and force.
For example, Talbot details Dulles’ involvement in the 1953 coup in Iran, which ousted Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh and returned the shah to power. This was just one of many instances where Dulles used the CIA as a political tool to enact his vision of American hegemony. The book does an excellent job of illustrating how Dulles, with his connections in the highest levels of government and industry, was able to maneuver around democratic principles to ensure U.S. interests were protected—even if that meant sacrificing the welfare of other nations.
It’s fascinating—and often disturbing—to see how Talbot presents Dulles as a man who was comfortable with making decisions that had catastrophic consequences. He didn’t hesitate to overthrow governments, back brutal dictators, or orchestrate assassinations in order to achieve his goals. The sheer scope of Dulles’ power, as well as his ability to manipulate events from behind the scenes, is unsettling. But perhaps what’s most remarkable about The Devil’s Chessboard is that it reveals how much of this history has been hidden from the public eye.
The Kennedy Connection: Was Dulles Behind JFK’s Assassination?
One of the more provocative claims made in The Devil’s Chessboard is the suggestion that Allen Dulles played a role in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Now, this is where things get really juicy, and Talbot doesn’t shy away from the conspiracy theories that surround Kennedy’s death. The book takes a hard look at how Dulles, who had been fired by Kennedy after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, may have had a personal vendetta against the president.
It’s a bold claim, and while Talbot doesn’t explicitly say that Dulles orchestrated the assassination, he provides plenty of evidence to suggest that Dulles had the motive and opportunity. After all, this is a man who had been responsible for countless covert operations and had no qualms about playing dirty. Talbot suggests that Dulles may have used his influence within the CIA to undermine Kennedy and set the stage for his eventual death. Whether or not you subscribe to the theory that Dulles was involved in the assassination, The Devil’s Chessboard makes a compelling argument that the CIA was involved in some way in the aftermath of Kennedy’s death.
A Complex Legacy
One of the reasons this book works so well is that it doesn’t simply demonize Dulles—though it’s hard not to view him as a villain. Talbot presents him as a complex figure, whose vision for American dominance was rooted in his understanding of global politics. He wasn’t just a puppet-master pulling strings for personal gain—he genuinely believed that his actions were in the best interest of the United States, even if they came at the expense of democracy and human rights abroad.
Still, this doesn’t excuse the moral compromises Dulles made. The book takes a critical view of Dulles’ tenure at the CIA, highlighting how his covert operations not only hurt the people of other nations but also undermined the democratic values the U.S. was supposed to represent. Talbot makes it clear that Dulles’ actions shaped the course of history in ways that are still felt today—whether it’s the long-lasting impact of the Iran coup or the decades of instability in Latin America caused by CIA-backed coups.
What’s more, Talbot doesn’t shy away from portraying the darker side of American history. He reminds readers that Dulles was not an isolated figure—he was part of a broader system of power that included wealthy elites, corporate interests, and a political establishment that valued control over accountability. It’s a sobering look at how decisions made by a few powerful men can ripple across the globe, affecting millions of people in ways that may never be fully understood.
Talbot’s Writing Style
David Talbot’s writing is both compelling and accessible, even when discussing complex historical events. He does an excellent job of breaking down the dense subject matter without oversimplifying it. His research is thorough, and he uses a wealth of primary sources to back up his claims, but he also takes the time to tell a story. This book doesn’t read like a dry history lesson—it’s more like a political thriller, filled with intrigue, betrayal, and high-stakes drama.
The tone is often journalistic, yet it’s not devoid of emotion. Talbot doesn’t hesitate to show his anger at the injustices Dulles’ actions caused, and this passion is reflected in his writing. You can tell that he believes deeply in the importance of telling this story, and that makes the book all the more engaging.
Summary
The Devil’s Chessboard is a thought-provoking and deeply unsettling look at the man who helped shape modern America. It’s a book that will make you question the morality of the people who wield the most power in the world. But more than that, it forces readers to consider the long-lasting effects of unchecked political power. Dulles may be dead, but the consequences of his actions continue to reverberate through history.
Whether you’re a history buff or someone who’s just curious about the shadowy world of intelligence agencies, this book is a must-read. It’s a fascinating exploration of power, secrecy, and the people who control the fate of nations. And while Talbot may not answer all the questions about Dulles’ involvement in the Kennedy assassination, The Devil’s Chessboard presents a compelling case for why we should question the official narratives of history.